Opportunity to serve in a community that supports public education and desires an exceptional, first-class educational system

Opportunity to work with a school board that provides effective leadership and places a strong emphasis on student achievement

Opportunity to partner with teachers, and administrators who have demonstrated a commitment to keep the needs of students as a top priority

What experience(s) in your past do you feel best prepare you to lead Alabama's largest school system?

Throughout my career I have worked in large school systems. My current district is the seventh largest school district in Texas with a student enrollment of 68,000 and prior to serving in FBISD, I worked in Klein ISD which has about 45,000 students. Both districts have a large number of economically disadvantaged students and are very diverse. My experience in working in large, diverse school systems has prepared me to effectively manage the complexities associated with large school systems

Mobile County's drop-out rate is estimated at around 45 percent. What would you do to try to improve that?

Upon entering the system, I would evaluate district data to determine causes associated with students dropping out of school and work with all stakeholders and focus on proven strategies to improve the dropout rate

Mobile County officials have worked to improve elementary schools over the past several years, and they are now focusing on trying to improve middle and high schools. What tactic(s) would you take?

I have already started to review student achievement data in Mobile County, and I will present a detailed plan during my interview with the school board. My approach to improving student achievement will be based on my experience in implementing programs that have contributed to closing the achievement gap and increasing academic rigor

Alabama schools have suffered from hefty budget cuts over the last couple of years. Assuming you'd have to further reduce spending your first year, how would you do that?

My school district has experienced similar budget cuts with close to $50 million in funding reductions over the past two years from the State of Texas. I would analyze the data and work with the board to develop a plan to maximize efficiency while at the same time protecting programs and initiatives that directly impact teaching and learning

Tell us something interesting about yourself that you'd like Mobile County residents to know.

I have had extensive training in Superintendent Leadership and had a great experience attending and completing The Harvard University Superintendent Academy. The exposure and experiences gained has had a major impact on my knowledge of improving student achievement in large school system

I have two son’s that are in college and a daughter that is a Freshman in High School, so I understand the challenges that families have trying to balance career and family. I enjoy playing golf

Years ago, the Mobile County school system was placed on probation due to micromanagement of the school board. Since then, the relationship between the superintendent and board has improved. How would you interact with the board and avoid micromanagement?

Short and simple…build trust with open communication that is proven with action